"Where are you, Francis?" Max inquired, a hint of impatience in his tone.

Francisco's response was unexpected, and Max's eyes grew heavy and droopy as he tried to process it.

"I'm lying in bed," came the answer, the words tinged with an unusual weariness.

Max was bewildered.

"In bed? Aren't you coming here?" he asked, his confusion apparent.

"What?" Max muttered in a startled manner. "Are you alright?" His voice trembled with a mixture of surprise and worry, ...